Dear Readers,
Mr. L.W. is a 64-year-old gentleman from St. Thomas. He has been fairly healthy over the years although he takes medication for diabetes. He still works and drives a taxi at times. He is worried now because more recently his vision has become a bit hazy and slightly blurred. His doctor told him he has developed cataracts in both eyes and will probably need surgery soon to remove them. L.W. asks Lifeline "what are cataracts? and why have they developed"?
When we look into the very centre of most persons eyes (the pupil), the area is usually a clear, solid dark colour. This is because the lens which is situated in the eye, right behind the pupil, is clear. This is the area that allows light into the eyes so that we can see. This area also makes adjustments to focus light on the retina at the back of the eye so that we see clear, detailed objects. Due to problems with poor blood circulation and poor nutrition to the lens which can occur in diabetes, the lens can gradually lose its translucency and turn white. The eye pupil at this time would look hazy or white rather than dark. It is this haziness or solid whiteness within the eye lens which is called a cataract.
Cataracts gradually develop over a period of many years in most people and can be seen in the lens of many people, however, the condition is usually so mild that it does not interfere with vision. This loss of transparency progresses at an accelerated pace in diabetics where the blood sugar is not properly controlled. The first sign is often a loss of clarity and detail of vision and some blurring of vision. Driving at night often becomes problematic.
Cataracts usually occur in both eyes but one eye is usually worse than the other. When early cataract development occurs the use of prescription corrective lenses will often be sufficient to remedy the problem. However, as the cataract develops, surgery is likely to be required.
Cataract surgery is a common procedure in which the affected lens is removed and is replaced by a small plastic prosthetic lens. Often the surgery is performed under local anaesthesia while the individual remains alert and awake. The procedure is painless and glasses are usually prescribed some weeks after the surgical procedure.
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